Pb Distribution in Bones from the Franklin Expedition: Synchrotron X-Ray Fluorescence and Laser Ablation/Mass Spectroscopy

Authors

Ronald MartinFollow
Steven NaftelFollow
Sheila MacfieFollow
Keith Jones
Andrew J. Nelson, University of Western OntarioFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-7-2013

Journal

Applied Physics

Volume

111

Issue

1

First Page

23

Last Page

29

URL with Digital Object Identifier

http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00339-013-7579-5

Abstract

Synchrotron micro-X-ray Fluorescence has been used to map the metal distribution in selected bone fragments representative of remains associated with the Franklin expedition. In addition, laser ablation mass spectroscopy using a 25 μm diameter circular spot was employed to compare the Pb isotope distributions in small regions within the bone fragments. The X-ray Fluorescence mapping shows Pb to be widely distributed in the bone while the Pb isotope ratios obtained by laser ablation within small areas representative of bone with different Pb exchange rates do not show statistically significant differences. These results are inconsistent with the hypothesis that faulty solder seals in tinned meat were the principle source of Pb in the remains of the expedition personnel.

Notes

The final publication is available at Springer via: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00339-013-7579-5

© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013